Summerfield officials announced Monday they will appoint James Hoffman as its new town attorney.
The hire comes amid internal and external challenges including the renewed threat of de-annexation of more than 900 acres of land by the state general assembly. Hoffman assumes the role following the recent resignation of Bob Hornik.
According to a news release, Hoffman has practiced law for private firms and as corporate counsel. He's also previously served as a city attorney in Virginia as well as in Greensboro. The Town Council unanimously approved extending a contract at a special meeting in late March.
The town of Summerfield has been facing its own headwinds recently. The Council voted to hire a public relations firm in February after state Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger again signaled his support for de-annexation in connection to a controversial development proposal.
The Greensboro NAACP also filed a complaint in February alleging Summerfield's zoning practices were discriminatory.
That same month, the Town Council voted against renewing Town Manager Scott Whitaker's contract.